Display packages



Sept. 6, 1966 J. B. GIESLER DISPLAY PACKAGES Filed Aug. 5, 1965 lllnh INVENTOR L36 JERRY 5, G/'sl. ER

/ f A I-\` ATTORNEY United States Patent O 3,270,878 DISPLAY PACKAGES Jerry B. Giesler, Lombard, Ill., assiguor to Waldorf Paper Products Company, St. Paul, Minn., a corporation of Minnesota Filed Aug. 5, 1965, Ser. No. 477,421 2 Claims. (Cl. 205-78) This invention relates to an improvement in display packages and deals particularly with a Ipackage in which `an object is displayed through a ilm of transparent material in a window opening of lthe package and which may be easily opened .to remove the object.

At the present time, many objects are displayed through windows in one or both of a pair of paperboard panels having a transparent film extending across the window opening, the marginal edges of which are sandwiched between the panels. One of the biggest objections to packages of this type lies in the fact that they are notoriously difficult to open. The plastic film which ofverlies the object is tough and somewhat pliable, and the panels are usually heat sealed together so they are very difficult to tear apant. As a result, it is usually necessary to cut through the plastic film in order to remove the object contained. This requires the use of a knife or a similar instrument which is not always readily available.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a display package of the general type described inclu-ding two panels, which are preferably foldably connected along one edge and which may be folded into substantially superimposed relation. Either one or both of the panels is provided with a windo1w opening which is slightly greater in size than the out-line size of the object to be contained. A film which is preferably a transparent plastic film of heat shrinka-ble material is secured to the apertured panel or panels to overlie the window opening, the film being secured to the inner sunface of the panel or panels so as to be between the panels when they are folded together. When the panels `are folded together, with the object therebetween, the film stretches to enclose the object.

'In preferred form, one or both of the panels includes a transverse score line extending parallel to the folded edges of the panels, and preferably intersecting the window aperture. The areas of the panels between the score line or lines and the folded edges of the panels are securely sealed together. On the other hand, the areas of the panels which are between the score line and the edges of the panels opposite the folded edges are sealed together only in relatively small areas which may be separated with comparative ease. As a result, when these ends of the panels rwhich are between the score line and the edges readily fracture in the small areas of connection permitting the enclosed Iobject or objects to be easily removed.

A further feature of the present invention resides in the provision of a simple and effective means of grasping the panels so that they may be separated by fracturing the relatively small areas of attachment. Each of the panels is provided with an ear which projects beyond the periphery of the other panels, each ear being readily engageable between the thumb and forefinger of a hand. Preferably, the ears project from the end of the panels most remote from the folded edge so that the panels may be torn apart at this end.

A lfeature of the present invention resides in the provision of a structure which, in its preferred form, comprises a pair of hingedly connected panels containing registrable 4window openings, and a `film of heat scalable material -which is adhered .to the flat blank in order to extend lover both of the window openings. The edges of the film are marginally adhered to the inner sunfaces of 3,270,878 Patented Sept. 6, 1966 ICC the two panels. When the panels are swung together t0 enclose the object, the surfaces of the lm are brought into Contact. The folded panels may then be sealed by applying heat and pressure to the areas of the panels between the score line and the folded edges of the panels and by applying heat and pressure to small spaced areas between the score line and the free ends of the panels. Thus the sealing o-f the panels may be accomplished in one operation. Heat may .then be applied to the film to shrink the film about the object if it is so desired.

In the following description, the word object has been used to describe the contents of the package, as display packages of this type are most commonly used to display a single object. However, it should be understood that a plurality of .parts may comprise the object rather than a single pie-ce.

rllhese and other objects and novel features of the present invention will be more clearly angd fully set forth in the following specification and claims.

In the drawings forming a part of the specification:

FIGURE l is a perspective view of the display package in closed position.

FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the display package after it has been opened to remove the object contained.

FIGURE 3 is a plan View of the blank, showing in dotted outline, the areas in which the panel portions are secured together.

FIGURE 4 is a diagrammatic View of the paperboard blank showing in general the areas of adhesive for connecting the transparent film to the blank.

-FIGURE 5 is a vie-w similar to FIGURE 4 showing the film adhered to the blank.

FIGURE 6 is a diagrammatic view showing a modified form ot" blank.

The display package is indicated in general by the letlter A, and is shown in its completed form in FIGURE l `of the drawings. As is indicated, the package A includes an object B, which, in the drawings, comprises a pen or pencil. The paperboard blank which encircles thev object serves as an advertising display and is suitably printed tfor this purpose.

The blank 10 from which the package is formed is illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings. The blank 10 comprises a generally rectangular strip of paperboard fwhich is provided with a central fold line 11 extending at right angles to the longitudinal edges 12 and 1.3 of the blank. The fold line 11 divides the blank lll into a pair of panels 14 and 15. Usually, the panels 14 and 15 -are of equal length. A projecting ear 16 extends from 'the free ends of the panel 14, the ear 16 being about `oneahalf the width of the blank, having one edge forming `a continuation of the longitudinal edge 12 of the blank and havin-g its opposite e'dge 17 extending substantially midway between the longitudinal edges 12 and 13. The panel 15 is provided with a similar ear 19 projecting from the free end thereof. One edge of the ear 19 forms a continuation of the longitudinal edge 113 of the blank While the opposite edge 20 of the ear 19 extends substantially along the center line between the longitudinal edges 12 and 13.

It should be understood that t-he ears 16 and 19 do not necessarily lie in the locations mentioned. It is important, however, that substantial portions of the ears do not overlap of overlie one another when the package is sealed. In other words, e-ach otf the panels 14 and 15 is provided with a projecting ear which extends beyond the periphery of the other panel so that each ear may be grasped between the thumb and forefinger of one hand.

A rectangular sheet 21 of film is adhered to the blank 10. Adhesive 22 is normally applied to the surface of the blank 10, t-he adhesive extending between the marginal edges of the lm 21 and the blank. The blank 10 is shown as including a pair of elongated rectangular win-l dows 23 and 24 which are of larger dimensions than the outline shape of the object B. As a result, a portion of the object may project throug-h the windows enclosed Within the plastic film.

The film 21 is preferably transparent, and is preferably a material which Will shrink when subjected to heat. The material may be a iilm such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or polypropylene. The film is sufficiently elastic to extend about the object when the panels are folded together and will shrink snugly about the object when the lm is heated. The adhesive 22 extends entirely about the apertures 23 and 24.

A fold line 25 extends across the panel 14 parallel to the .fold `line 11, and preferably intersecting the window 23. A similar fold line 26 extends across the panel 15 parallel to the fold line 11 and spaced therefrom a distance equal to the distance between the fold lines 11 and 25. As a result, the fold lines 25 and 26 register when the package is closed. The package will operate effe@ tively even if one of the fold lines 25 or 26 are omitted, but the object is more readily accessible after the package is opened if both fold lines are present.

The operation of the package is believed obvious from the foregoing description. The object may be placed overlying the window 24 in the panel 15, the window preferably overlying a pocket shaped similarly to the window. The panel 14 is folded to overlie the object, the lm stretching so that portions of the object extend through both windows. If necessary, the resiliency of the `film may be increased by heating during this process.

When the panels are folded into superimposed relation, as indicated in FIGURE 3 of the drawings, heat and pressure are applied to seal marginal portions of the films in face contact. As is indicated in FIGURE 3, solid heating bars may be applied to the shaded areas 28 between the score lines 25, 26 and the folded edges of the panels along the fold line 11. However, in the area of the panels between the score lines 25, 26 and the free ends of the panels 14 and 15, only small spaced areas of heat and pressure are applied. This is accomplished by providing the heating die with a series of flat ended projections which engage the panels, the remainder of the heating die being held in spaced relation to the panels. As a result, the areas of the panels outwardly of the score lines are secured together with a connection which may be fractured with comparative ease.

When it is desired to open the package A, t-he ear 16 is grasped between the thumb and foreiinger of one hand and the ear 19 is grasped between the thumb and iinger of the other hand. The ears 16 and 19 are then pulled apart, hinging the outer portions of the panels along the score lines 25 and 26, and rupturing the areas of connection which are indicated by the numeral 27. When the outer ends of the panels are spread apart, as indicated in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, the object B may be readily removed.

In structures where the object is not of excessive thickness, one of the panels may be solid and only the other of the panels may be apertured. Such an arrangement is indicated in FIGURE 6 of the drawings Where a blank 29 is indicated which is generally similar to the blank 10. The blank 29 is centrally folded at 30 to provide a pair of panels 31 and 32 which may be identical in shape to the panels 14 and 15. Only the panel 31 is provided with a window opening 33, the panel 32 being irnperforate. A rectangular sheet of lm 34 is marginally i attached to the panel 31 to overlie the window 33. The panels 31 and 32 are provided with score lines 35 and 36 which will register when the blank is folded. If desired, the score line 36 may .he omitted as the object B will be completely on the surface of the panel 32 when the package is opened.

The blank C is closed in the manner which has been previously described, the object B extending almost entirely through the window 33. The two panels are sealed in the manner previously described, the areas of the panels between the central fold line 30 and the score lines 35 and 36 usually being sealed over substantial areas while the portions of the panels outwardly of these score lines are at-tached only in relatively small areas. In this arrangement, the tilm 34 must be capable of heat sealing to the panel 32, or the panel 32 must be coated with heat sealable iilrn. Alternatively, the transparent tilm 34 may be secured overlying the panel 32 so that the surfaces of the film may be heat sealed together over the desired areas.

In accordance wit-h the patent statutes, I have described the principles of construction and operation of my improvement in display packages; While I have endeavored Ito set forth the best embodiment thereof, I desire to have it understood that obvious changes may be made within the scope of the following claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

The claims:

1. A display package including:

(a) a pair of elongated paperboard panels in substzm tially superimposed relation,

(b) a score line extending across each of said panels parallel to the ends of said panels,

(c) said score lines being in registered relation,

(d) at least one of said panels having a window opening therein,

(el one said score line intersecting said window open- (f) a transparent film secured to said one panel extending across said window opening,

(g) means securing said panels along areas of attachment with said lm sandwiched between said panels,

(h) `an object having an outline size smaller than said window enclosed on at least one side by said lm extending through said window,

(i) each said panel including an ear projecting beyond the periphery of the other said panel whereby said ears may be grasped to pull said panels apart and (j) the portions of said panels and film adjoining the edges of said panels intermediate said score lines and said ears being spacedly secured together in areas which are small relative to the area of contact.

2. T-he structure of claim 1 and in which said panels have registered window openings therethrough.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,648,463 8/1953 Scherer 206-56 2,751,074 6/1956 Ringlen et al. 2064-56 3,174,621 3/1965 Watson 206-78 3,192,681 7/1965 Greenbaum 206-45.31

LOUIS G. MANCENE, Primary Examiner.

THERON E. CONDON, Examiner.

W. T. DIXSON, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A DISPLAY PACKAGE INCLUDING: (A) A PAIR OF ELONGATED PAPERBOARD PANELS IN SUBSTANTIALLY SUPERIMPOSED RELATION, (B) A SCORE LINE EXTENDING ACROSS EACH OF SAID PANELS PARALLEL TO THE ENDS OF SAID PANELS, (C) SAID SCORE LINES BEING IN REGISTERED RELATION, (D) AT LEAST ONE OF SAID PANELS HAVING A WINDOW OPENING THEREIN, (E) ONE SAID SCORE LINE INTERSECTING SAID WINDOW OPENING, (F) A TRANSPARENT FILM SECURED TO SAID ONE PANEL EXTENDING ACROSS SAID WINDOW OPENING, (G) MEANS SECURING SAID PANELS ALONG AREAS OF ATTACHMENT WITH SAID FILM SANDWICHED BETWEEN SAID PANELS, (H) AN OBJECT HAVING AN OUTLINE SIZE SMALLER THAN SAID WINDOW ENCLOSED ON AT LEAST ONE SIDE BY SAID FILM EXTENDING THROUGH SAID WINDOW, (I) EACH SAID PANEL INCLUDING AN EAR PROJECTING BEYOND THE PERIPHERY OF THE OTHER SAID PANEL WHEREBY SAID EARS MAY BE GRASPED TO PULL SAID PANELS APART AND (J) THE PORTIONS OF SAID PANELS AND FILM ADJOINING THE EDGES OF SAID PANELS INTERMEDIATE SAID SCORE LINES AND SAID EARS BEING SPACEDLY SECURED TOGETHER IN AREAS WHICH ARE SMALL RELATIVE TO THE AREA OF CONTACT. 